50 Facts About Stephen Hawking

Last updated on April 1st, 2023

43. According to CNN’s editorial research, Hawking visited all seven continents in his lifetime — even Antarctica.

44. He won the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, which was founded by Yuri Milner in order to recognize physicists who significantly contributed to human knowledge. It was awarded to Hawking due to his discovery of Hawking radiation, as well as his “contributions to quantum gravity and quantum aspects of the early Universe.”

45. The following year, Hawking published a memoir of his life that began in London, dove into his intellectual development and concluded with his celebrity status. It was titled My Brief History.

46. During Cambridge University’s launch of the Centre for the Future of Intelligence in 2014, Hawking warned of the dangers artificial intelligence would bring, including “new ways for the few to oppress the many.” He also stated that “A.I. could develop a will of its own…in conflict with ours.”

47. Hawking was played by actor Eddie Redmayne in the 2014 movie The Theory of Everything, which was based on Hawking’s life. Eddie Redmayne won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Hawking, which he promptly stated belonged to those who were battling ALS around the world.

48. Hawking’s final book, titled Brief Answers to the Big Questions, published his notion that God did not exist. He instead believed that after death, the brain simply shuts off like a computer.

49. Hawking passed away at age 76 on March 14, 2018. This notable date is also Pi Day, as well as the date that Einstein was born centuries prior.

50. Despite the enormity of his influential contributions and his collection of 12 honorary degrees, Hawking was never awarded a Nobel Prize.

Stephen Hawking – quick facts